Bronx Parents to Education Dept.: Don’t Fail Kids at PS 64

Now that P.S. 64 Pura Belpre school in Mount Eden is set to phase out in three years, parents are concerned that children in the school are condemned.

The kindergarten through fifth grade school is beset with feckless teachers, bullying, large classes and a lack of textbooks and homework, parents charged.

“They don’t have reading books. They rarely have homework,” said Edna Wilson, 55, whose granddaughter, Gianee, 8 is in third grade at P.S. 64. “I’m trying to get all the help I can. The school, the principal doesn’t care.”

Parents said they plan to meet with Schools Deputy Chancellor Marc Sternberg next week. The parents, members of the New Settlement Parent Action Committee, say want a new school leader, professional development for teachers, more guidance counselors and social workers on staff to address bullying, more tutoring programs and support for struggling students, and smaller class sizes.

“Give us a better school for our kids to go to,” said Robert Williams, 53, whose son, Jaylen, 9, is in fourth grade. "My child is not failing - you're failing to teach him."